Suzuki Withdraws from World Rally Championship

Albeit it is a relative newcomer to the FIA's World Rally Championship, we've just heard that Suzuki will cease its current and future WRC activities.

According to the automaker, the withdrawal is attributed mostly to the current global economic slowdown. "To secure its own business environment for tomorrow," Suzuki said in a release, "the organization reviews every aspect of its operations and decided to focus on the core business functions." Rallying, it seems isn't Suzuki's raison d'etre.

While the company blames the current market, we can't help but wonder if the upcoming specification changes for the WRC had something to do with Suzuki's decision. On Friday, the FIA announced that in 2010, the WRC series would shift to Spec 2000 (or S2000) vehicles in lieu of the current Group N class. S2000 cars are limited to turbocharged 2.0-liter engines, and can only add a quick-shift gearbox, aero kit, and custom intake and exhaust systems. The prohibition of electronic goodies may serve as a cost cutting measure, but it will also force plenty of automakers to scramble and re-develop their WRC programs over the next year.

Suzuki was reportedly working on a version of the SX4 WRC car that would meet S2000 specifications, but the WRC withdrawal has seemingly killed its development altogether.

Posted in: Suzuki